Would you like to curl up in a blanket with no worries or guilt and doze off in a peaceful sleep? Imagine that blissful feeling, but with more weight to keep you feeling safe and comfortable for hours on end. If that doesn’t convince you to get a weighted blanket for yourself, here’s a list of 10 health benefits of having a weighted blanket. With this great way to rest after stressful weeks and stressful days, your body will thank you for sure.
Eases insomnia
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder classified by difficulty falling and staying asleep. In order to maintain proper cognitive function, we are required to obtain 6-9 hours of sleep. Unfortunately, insomniac patients only receive on average 2-3 hours of sleep. A weighted blanket is a form of deep pressure therapy touch stimulation therapy which refers to the consistent pressure to the sensory organs this in return releases serotonin, a chemical that regulates sleep.
By refining traditional weighted blankets and only using the best fabrics and construction, Luxome weighted blankets are one of our favorites. The quality of their blanket is superior to their competitors, hands down!
Reduces anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million Americans, it is also the most common mental health illness. Anxiety and panic attacks can lead to an unregulated sleeping schedule, headaches, and depression. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced and released from the adrenal glands, it is a hormone that is responsible for the “fight or flight” reaction, cortisol is also the primary stress hormone. High levels of this hormone can increase blood pressure. Through Deep pressure therapy, the weighted blanket is able to reduce the levels of cortisol in the body.
Eases symptoms of restless leg syndrome
As crazy as it might sound restless leg syndrome also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease is a disease classified by the irresistible urge to move the legs. The urge usually occurs in the evening or during the night which can lead to insomnia. The pressure from the weighted blankets offers a calming effect.
Boosts mood
Not only is serotonin a chemical that regulates sleep, it is also a chemical that can affect your mood. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and many other mental illnesses. It is proven that the pressure from the weighted blanket boost serotonin levels and decreases cortisol levels.
Helps manage OCD
OCD or Obsessive-Compulsive disorder affects about 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 200 children. OCD is classified by a person having reoccuring thoughts and behaviors, OCD is considered a mental illness because it is linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain and low levels of serotonin. As stated earlier The pressure from the weighted blanket increases serotonin levels, which can ease the severity of OCD.
Calms your body
If you’re looking for ways to escape reality through a book or a movie grab a weighted blanket snuggle up and enjoy. Netflix and chill is nothing without a comfortable blanket and you can only enjoy a book for so long with a common fleece throw blanket! Increased serotonin and dopamine levels? Count me in!
Improve sleep quality
Melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep and helps regulate sleep. Melatonin is also linked to serotonin, so a healthy production of both hormones can potentially improve sleep quality. As serotonin increases melatonin increases and guess what has the potential to increase those hormones? The weighted blanket!
Improve focus
Weighted lap pads are used in school for students who have a particularly hard time focusing. This is a form of deep pressure therapy that has been in the school systems for years. This study found out that children focus better while wearing a weighted vest. That being said, there is evidence that weighted blankets, which uses the same deep pressure therapy as a weighted vest, can improve focus.
Reduces stress
As stated earlier the deep pressure therapy has the capability to release the hormone serotonin and reduce the hormone cortisol. The effect of serotonin in the body is classified by a relaxed state. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone is reduced as a result of deep pressure therapy.
Mimics a hug
Normal blankets could never! A weighted blanket has the ability to mimic a hug, the extra weights along with the fluffiness makes for a perfect hug. Did you know that a hug releases a hormone called oxytocin, which is a hormone that decreases blood sugar, decreases the heart rate, aids in relaxation and makes us feel warm and happy? Who knew a blanket could do all that!
